Beginnings The proposal for the establishment of
University of Ceylon, the first university of Sri Lanka (the predecessor of the University of Peradeniya) goes back to 1899. In 1938 the government acquired the plot and developed an area about (out of ) to create the University Park. Although the site was acquired, no plans were made to establish the university until 1941. With the arrival of Sir
Ivor Jennings, as the second principal of the Ceylon University College, establishment plans were put into effect. He stressed the urgent need to move the university to Peradeniya to the Minister of Education
C. W. W. Kannangara and took the initiative in the process. Thus he is considered the forefather of the University of Peradeniya.
1942 to 1952 In 1942, the
University of Ceylon was created as the first unitary, residential, and autonomous university in Sri Lanka with its seat in Peradeniya, amalgamating Ceylon University College and the Medical College into a single unit with 55 academic staff members, 904 students in four faculties. But due to
World War II, the construction of buildings started in 1946. Until then, the lectures and laboratory classes were conducted in the buildings obtained from the
Ceylon University College and the
Ceylon Medical College in Colombo. Consultants Sir
Patrick Abercrombie and
Clifford Holliday did the planning and layout of the university complex. The first phase of work constituted only the development of the left bank. The building of a bridge across the
Mahaweli River, later known as the 'Akbar bridge', was planned by A Thurairajah. Transfer of the first batch of students, students from the Departments of Law and Agriculture and the third and fourth-year students of the Department of Veterinary Science, from Colombo to Peradeniya took place in 1949. Another major move took place in 1952, with the transfer of staff and students of the
Faculties of Arts and Oriental Studies, together with the
Main Library and the University Administration. This movement on 6 October 1952 marks the official establishment of the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. In the initial stages, vice chancellor Jennings wanted to model British universities but met with resistance from students who opposed the changes. A special convocation of the
University of Ceylon was held on 12 February 1948 at the temporary Convocation Hall in Peradeniya.
His Royal Highness Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester laid the foundation stone for the convocation hall at Peradeniya on this occasion. Minister of Transport and Works
John Kotelawala while inviting the Royal Highness mentioned that the ideal of many educated Ceylonese to have a University in appropriate surroundings is now being realized. It will be an inspiration for generations to come. HRH The Duke of Gloucester received the honorary degree of the University of Ceylon as the first in the roll of distinguished graduates in Peradeniya and shared the honors of this convocation with Prime Minister
D.S. Senanayake and Andreas Nell who first suggested that the University be established in Peradeniya.
1952 to 1972 ,
Duke and
Lord Soulbury touring the University Although the buildings at Peradeniya were established in 1952, the official ceremony for its inception was held on 20 April 1954, with the participation of
Queen Elizabeth II. The government of Ceylon was keen to postpone the ceremony until Queen Elizabeth II could participate. Her visit was delayed by the death of
King George VI. During the Royal visit of Ceylon in 1954
His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh declared open the university in the presence of
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and
His Excellency The Lord Soulbury,
Governor General of Ceylon. The plaque displayed in remembrance of the proud visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in the Senate building built on 130 granite columns is a resemblance of a historical palace from the Polonnaruwa era. Sections of the University of Ceylon functioned in Colombo and Peradeniya acted as campuses of the same university until 1967. In 1967, these campuses were split into two. The section in Peradeniya was known as the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, while the section in Colombo was known as the University of Ceylon, Colombo.
1972 to 1978 By the University Act No. 1 of 1972, four universities functioned a — Peradeniya,
Colombo,
Vidyodaya and
Vidyalankara and the
Ceylon College of Technology, Katubedda, Moratuwa became five constituent campuses of a single structure – the University of Sri Lanka. It had one vice chancellor and five presidents for five campuses. Under this designation, the University of Ceylon – Peradeniya became the University of Sri Lanka – Peradeniya Campus. This designation prevailed until 1978.
1978 to the present Under the Universities Act No. 16, 1978, the University of Sri Lanka was split into six independent, autonomous institutions as the University of Peradeniya,
University of Colombo,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura,
University of Kelaniya,
University of Moratuwa and
University of Jaffna. This Act brought back some of the central features of the Ceylon University Ordinance of 1942 such as the senates, the councils and courts. ==Governance and administration==